Things to do in Seville
Explore the Royal Alcazar Palace
No visit to Seville is complete without seeing the world-famous Royal Alcazar Palace. It may not be the most unique thing to do in Seville, but it is still one of those attractions you can’t afford to miss. Built in the 10th century, the palace has been heavily influenced by different architectural and cultural styles and showcases a mixture of Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Moorish architecture. You can explore the Royal Alcazar Palace on your own, though be aware there may be very long queues wrapping all around its outer walls, especially in the summer tourist high season.
While I lived in Seville just a block away from the palace, I constantly observed very long lines! I recommend booking this Alcázar Guided Tour with Priority Entrance to avoid having to wait ages in the scorching sun. There is also the option of using an audio tour that will guide you through key attractions including the Patio of the Maidens and the Hall of Ambassadors. Visitors can also explore the Alcazar Gardens and admire the rows of orange trees and picturesque walkways.
See a Flamenco show
Established in the Andalucia region in Spain, flamenco is a storytelling-dance art form that usually includes singing, guitar playing, and dancing. In Seville, watching a flamenco performance is simply a must!
There are several options for seeing a flamenco show. Some travel guides advise the free flamenco shows, such as the ones performed at the tavern La Carboneria. However, these are very packed (like a rowdy beer hall) and you may end up seated far away from the stage. Consider these if you’re a backpacker with little budget to spare. Otherwise, there are better performances to catch. For a truly local performance, ask locals (or taxi drivers) where you might catch one that night. There are small bars in Triana and Los Remedios where it’s danced for the Sevillano regulars. You need a bit of determination to find them though as they’re not so advertised to tourists. The easiest route by far is to go for a ticketed show as you’ll be assured a good seat and they take place pretty much any night. You’ll experience the flamenco in its full intensity!
You can book this, this, or this flamenco show easily online.